US 4,358,170 AGranted

Group storage tower for storing stacks, groups of elements or pasted battery plates in a dust-free manner

AssigneeGeneral Battery Corporation

InventorsWilliam J. Eberle, Harry M. Channing

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Abstract

A vertical tower support is provided within a vertical dust collection channel that is attached to a dust collecting conduit. On either side of the vertical tower support within the channel are a plurality of modified battery cases that are attached to chains disposed around upper and lower wheels or sprockets and which travel in a carousel-like fashion around the vertical tower. A small opening on one side of the channel is provided so that stacks of battery plates may be inserted between the partitions of the modified cases within the channel. A motor activated by a manual push button, foot pedal shut-off, or, alternatively, a limit switch allows indexing of only one case at a time and is provided so that the cases will be advanced to receive stacks of battery plates as needed. An air blow-off mechanism triggered by an electric eye and limit switch combination located adjacent the top of the dust collection channel blows oxide dust from the empty modified cases. The build-up of oxide dust is thereby prevented and the dust shed by the plates during storage is safely eliminated by withdrawing the dust-laden area in the channel through the plant dust collection system.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A dust-confining storage apparatus for storing a plurality of stacks of battery plates, said apparatus comprising:

(a) frame means for providing a vertical support;
(b) storage means mounted and vertically rotatable about said frame means for holding said battery plates therein;
(c) hood means
comprising a vertical cover surrounding said frame means and said storage means,
said cover having a first opening in the top thereof which is adapted to be connected to an exhaust system, and further having a second opening in the side thereof through which battery plates can be inserted into said storage means within said cover,
wherein said cover further includes a hatch at the bottom thereof for access into the bottom interior of said cover;
(d) air flow means;
(e) means for selectively activating said air flow means to direct air against said vertically rotatable storage means upon reaching a specified location in the vicinity of said exhaust;
(f) said selective supplying of air flow being directed against said storage means for removing lead-oxide dust therefrom to allow said dust to be safely removed into said exhaust;
and
(g) heavier lead-oxide dust particles which cannot be removed by said exhaust dropping to the ground within said vertical cover such that said particles can be easily removed through said hatch.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.